Trusted Sellers and Sites

[Crusader7781]

I don't have enough money yet, but I'm always on the lookout for a good deal. Anybody know the most reputable sites and sellers? 

(Antique Nihontos)

[ROKUJURO]

Brian (good to have your name so we can address you in a polite way),

in the upmost line (click NIHONTO INFO) you can find links to our trusted dealers .

[kissakai]

I looked at the Nihonto Info page and didn't find it very helpful.

A beginners version would be more helpful

 

[Bruce Pennington]

The Dealer Showcase has trusted sellers, also, though there are certainly more out there in the marketplace

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/forum/88-dealer-showcase/

Though, by "good deal", if you mean "great sword at cheap price" you won't really find that with dealers.  Their prices are usually at the top of the market range.  The "good deal" they offer is that you can rest assured they are not selling you a Chinese fake.  I've bought a couple swords from dealers, at much higher prices than found on ebay, but they had something that I REALLY wanted, so it was worth the price.

 

You can also find good swords from members sales here:

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/forum/130-swords-and-edged-weapons/

These are often in the middle of the market price range

[John C]

Brian:

You will hear that Ebay is a minefield and to stay away, however it's worth noting that many of our trusted sellers also sell on Ebay!

So, on any site, be patient and look at every aspect of the sword without reading the description first (it's probably salesman crap anyway). For example, many listings will say "samurai" when describing a WW1 or WW2 sword or use the term "pilot tanto" or "suicide knife", all of which are used to attract buyers but are wholly inaccurate. Study condition issues and know what to look for (kizu, higare, etc.) then study the blade carefully. Look for recent NTHK or NBTHK papers. Don't necessarily shy away from mumei blades; they are often cheaper because they don't have a name, gimei or otherwise, associated with them. 

Are there dealers to avoid? Yes. You can find many of them discussed on this site. Lastly, as others have said, there are no diamonds in the rough. Sword sellers know what they have and know what they are worth. If a sword seller is giving an amazing deal, there's a reason for it. You just need to understand 1) why is it so cheap, and 2) is it acceptable to me. 

 

John C.

[Crusader7781]

Thank you all for the help. I will check it out. I've been checking eBay occasionally, but I hope to buy a nihonto eventually at an actual store, site, or seller eventually.

[kissakai]

Obviously keep your eye on the NMB

Even better if seller is in the same area as you

 

[Crusader7781]

2 hours ago, kissakai said:

Obviously keep your eye on the NMB

Even better if seller is in the same area as you

 

Alas, I live in Virginia thus making it highly unlikely. However maybe one day!

[John C]

6 hours ago, Crusader7781 said:

Virginia

I believe Matt from Sohei swords is in VA.

 

John C.

[DTM72]

8 hours ago, John C said:

I believe Matt from Sohei swords is in VA.

 

John C.

Yes, Matt is around the Richmond, VA. area. I will tag him so he can see this post. @mdiddy